Andy Stanley’s Problem with the Bible

Andy Stanley knows the Bible. As the son of the popular Baptist pastor, Dr. Charles Stanley, he has grown up under Bible teaching and preaching. As a pastor of a very large megachurch, North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, Andy Stanley has spent much time reading and studying the Bible. So, why does it seem that Andy Stanley has a problem with the Bible on so many different levels?

Over the past few years, Andy Stanley has managed to stay in the light of controversy regarding his positions on key issues of the faith. Is Andy Stanley operating by the old adage, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity”? While Stanley may not be seeking bad publicity, the fact is, he has managed to keep controversy stirred up around him in recent years. Exactly where did Andy Stanley go off course? As we examine the controversial statements made by Andy Stanley, there seems to be an undeniable connection between his errors and the manner in which he approaches the Bible.

Is Verse-by-Verse Preaching Cheating?

Andy Stanley is not an expository preacher. In an interview with Ed Stetzer in 2009 regarding his book titled, Communicating for a Change, Stetzer asked Stanley about preaching. The question was, “What do you think about preaching verse-by-verse messages through books of the Bible?” Andy Stanley responded, “Guys that preach verse-by-verse through books of the Bible– that is just cheating. It’s cheating because that would be easy, first of all. That isn’t how you grow people. No one in the Scripture modeled that. There’s not one example of that.” It’s quite clear that Stanley isn’t a fan of verse-by-verse preaching, but what does that communicate regarding his overall approach to the Bible?

Is the Bible Sufficient for Church Growth?

In 2010, at the pastors’ conference for the Southern Baptist Convention, Andy Stanley appealed to big corporations such as Chick-fil-A and Intel in order to drive home his church growth message to thousands of pastors in attendance. He repeated this phrase, “If you make your church better, they will come and make your church bigger.” His entire sermon was positioned squarely on pragmatism rather than the Word of God. In his sermon, Andy Stanley said, “We’ve created church for church people.” He then scolded church leaders for an unwillingness to make it easier for unchurched people to feel comfortable in our churches.

Is the Bible Clear on Homosexuality?

Andy Stanley’s seeker sensitive approach to church growth is perhaps the lightest problem in recent years. In 2012, Stanley was the center of controversy once again with statements (and a lack of statements) regarding the sin of homosexuality. In a sermon he preached titled “When Gracie Met Truthy,” he described a couple in his church that had to be asked to step down from leadership. Two men were engaged in a homosexual relationship, but the reason they were asked to step down was what Stanley called “just good old fashioned adultery.” Stanley explained, “You’re in a sexual relationship with someone else’s husband.” Stanley capitulated on the whole issue calling out the sin of adultery while refusing to call out the sin of homosexuality. Albert Mohler writes:

The most puzzling and shocking part of the message was the illustration and the account of the homosexual couple, however. The inescapable impression left by the account was that the sin of concern was adultery, but not homosexuality. [1]

Although Andy Stanley wasn’t clear on the subject of homosexuality, we can be sure that the Bible is abundantly clear. So why does Andy Stanley continue to feel the need to distance himself from a clear and historically orthodox interpretative method of reading and applying the Bible?

Is the Bible Authoritative?

In 2014, Andy Stanley stood on a stage at Exponential, a church-planting conference and communicated to 5,000+ people that they should stop using the phrase “the Bible says” in their sermons. Andy Stanley said, “Don’t say the Bible says. Say the author’s name who wrote the book. Paul said… (by the way he hated Christians, but then wrote this) Give 2-3 sentences about who the author is.” Andy Stanley made his point in print through his book titled, Deep & Wide suggesting that his goal is evangelism and it keeps skeptics engaged. [2] With a goal of keeping skeptics engaged, we must ask an honest question, has he cast a shadow of doubt upon the authority of the Bible?

Is the Bible True?

In early 2015, Zondervan released a series of Bible study lessons by Andy Stanley titled Starting Point. You can see the first session on YouTube where Andy Stanley casts doubt upon the trustworthiness and reliability of the Bible in his opening statements. In fact, Andy Stanley went as far as to say, “We went off to college and discovered that even though it [the Bible] was sacred, it wasn’t scientific. Even though it was something to appreciate, it wasn’t necessarily something that was factual. Even though there were stories in here [the Bible] that were inspirational, they weren’t necessarily true.” Sure, it seems that Andy Stanley is playing along with the thought process of what the skeptics actually believe, but he spends more than 50% of his time dealing with such issues leaving him very little time to explain the text of Scripture from Acts. Why must Andy Stanley consistently cast doubt upon the inerrancy of the Bible? Isn’t he a Bible preacher?

Are Small Churches (like the ones in the Bible) Bad?

Recently, Andy Stanley hit the news again with statements about small churches. He called out parents who refuse to take their children to megachurches by saying, “If you don’t go to a large church, you are so stinking selfish…and don’t care about your kids.” Keep in mind, many of the churches in the cities that we see appearing in the New Testament are relatively small. Sure, some of these churches experienced great growth, but many of them remained small.

Andy Stanley sought to explain his point as he retracted the perceived meaning in a subsequent interview with Christianity Today. However, if you listen to the rant in the original sermon, it’s hard to imagine how a preacher could make such statements with profound conviction and not really mean it. What exactly does Andy Stanley think about small churches today? What about the small churches in the Bible?

Is the Bible a Poor Starting Point?

On Easter Sunday, Andy Stanley opened his sermon with a statement that was aimed mostly at the unbeliever. He said, “If you said to me one-on-one, ‘Andy, I’m not a Christian, I’m not a Jesus follower, but I’m going to let you take your best shot at convincing me to follow Jesus’ – Here’s what I wouldn’t do. I wouldn’t try to defend the history of the church, because the church has done some really goofy things and there’s some really embarrassing (not just weekends of church history) seasons of church history. And, I wouldn’t try to defend a lot of things that Christians have said or the ways that Christians have treated you….and I wouldn’t try to convince you with the Bible.”

Stanley went on to explain, he said, “There were thousands and thousands and thousands of Christians before there was a Bible.” He then went on to say, “I would start with the resurrection of Jesus.” Why is it that Andy Stanley seems to distance himself from the Bible? Is it possible to present the resurrection of Jesus without the Bible? Could it be that some other historic account of Jesus’ resurrection carries more authority than the Bible? How would Andy Stanley pull from the evidence of eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection without using the Bible?

Paul, a man who had seen the risen Jesus, wrote 1 Corinthians 15. Before Paul went to the eyewitnesses and other supporting evidence of Jesus’ resurrection, he started with the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Paul said the following:

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

Notice that Paul’s starting point is the Bible (as Paul said – the Scriptures). Apparently Andy Stanley and the apostle Paul have very different starting points when it comes to defending the Christian religion. Before appealing to evidence, point to the authority of the written record that was prophesied (Psalm 16) and validated (1 Corinthians 15) in the sacred account of the Scriptures.

Immediately after stating that he would start with the resurrection of Jesus rather than the Bible in order to convince people of Christianity, Andy Stanley said, “There were tens of thousands of people who believed in the resurrection of Jesus before there was a Bible.” Exactly what does that statement mean? Is that a true statement? Was Psalm 16 considered to be part of Scripture before the resurrection of Christ? What exactly was Paul referencing in 1 Corinthians 15 when he appealed to “the Scriptures”?

Andy Stanley is a gifted communicator and apparently a good leader. He has a stunning résumé when it comes to church growth and leadership. However, Andy Stanley has positioned himself to the far left in recent days regarding his approach to Scripture and his position on other key Christian doctrines. His method of preaching the Bible has led to his capitulation on biblical doctrines. We can all learn a great lesson from Andy Stanley. As a pastor and leader in the evangelical world, Andy Stanley has been gifted with a platform and a voice, but sadly he has consistently pointed people off course. For that reason, we must beware of Andy Stanley and his ministry. He has demonstrated an inappropriate care for God’s Word and God’s sheep. The person who casts a shadow of doubt upon the Word of God likewise casts a shadow of doubt upon himself.

Related

100 Comments

Herman
on April 1, 2016 at 7:10 am

If you are really concerned about the person and his message, why not a call for honest prayer for this man, who teaches tens of thousands with his message and who is a big influencer in people’s lives? If God is doing something good, we all know who else is there to minimalize the effect…

Josh Buice
on April 1, 2016 at 1:03 pm

Herman – I agree, prayer is essential. However, I’m also concerned that nobody is holding Andy Stanley accountable on his progressive ideas and theological positions. This movement is troubling and people need to beware of it from his book and preaching ministry.

Tom
on September 4, 2016 at 10:10 am

This movement is to support ticking ears. They cross sell books. When one writes a book the others in the evangelical industrial complex hock their wares at each other’s churches. It is similar to the cleansing of the temple.

Andy is now diminishing the Bible, as if he has some secret knowledge.

Where is his dad to rebuff this? He was one of the leaders in the inheritancy movement.

I hate to think they are leading the people astray but they are. The Bible clearly teaches, as well as did Jesus, that we are born dead and must be born again. Dead to sin and children of wrath.

Sad day for those leading the flock away. I know Stanley, I live in Atlanta and this guy is a rebel form the beginning and loves himself, much likes his dad. 2 peas in a pod with a different style.

Very sad for them and for those who are attracted to his nonsense.

Kyra
on September 11, 2016 at 10:45 am

Try all you want to twist the your ideas of the sermons he gives, but in the end know that he is changing people’s lives on a daily basis and he is doing so in a loving and understanding way.

Andy’s approach isn’t the norm, but it’s filled with love. He speaks of his own flaws, he shows compassion, he’s human just like every single one of us and he is trying to reach an audience that expands beyond just the walls of the church and he does so in a non-judgemental way.

As for his small church comment, he’s human. He apologized. Haven’t you ever worded something poorly before and wished that you could reword it. I actually attended a SMALL satellite church of Northpoint for years until I had to move a few months ago. The way Northpoint sets up an outline yet still encourages each church to do independent things is an unbelievable beauty.

If you actually followed Andy and without such a bias view of his “controversial” moments, your approach towards nonbelievers would probably be more inviting to the word of God.

Phillip Holbrook
on October 25, 2016 at 3:08 pm

Amen my brother! I agree completely. We are not making a judgment of the man’s morals, or even of his spiritual condition, but we are certainly responsible to test his teaching by a biblical standard. That is the only test.

L.S.
on March 15, 2017 at 12:45 am

I went to North Point when it was in its infancy of the late 90s. His message has changed dramatically since those early years; however, that being said, he seems to have always had a tendency to move his message to fit the modern times. Andy’s strict and almost pious attitude toward being non-traditional has brought about his own sense of traditionalism.

Polly
on May 18, 2016 at 2:53 pm

The influence is totally wrong and off scripture if he enjoys a defensive posture hurting others with quotes that reflect a “we are better than you” tone. Just look at the Andy Stanley “quotes” twitter account. I don’t see the Godly there. I see more of Idol worship. It is about mmoney and branding, I heard he is worth 40 million now, so I suscept he will step down pretty soon. I spoke to a crying lady once who had just finished her “filmed” testimony for baptism there and she said they wouldn’t allow her to speak of some things yet forced her to actually say the name “Northpoint CC” several times during it. I don’t think that’s what Jesus would do..just saying. That not what He would do.

Chris Westerman
on August 6, 2016 at 5:00 pm

I sure hope you can back up the statement that Andy Stanley and Northpoint are all about money. That is one big accusation.
What evidence do you have?

Terry
on August 27, 2016 at 1:22 am

I know a woman who asked Andy to do church discipline on her husband for his desertion of the family and living with a woman, and because of his money, Andy said no because he uses the man’s private jet to fly on. Why would she lie to me about this as she was hoping for his repentance and reconciliation and that is why she had gone to Andy in the first place?

Kyra
on September 11, 2016 at 10:55 am

Instead of just reading twitter and online sources, you might want to try actually listening to some of his sermons…. and not just the “controversial” ones that you’ve already set up in your mind to hate.

Trish
on September 12, 2016 at 12:07 am

But Kyre, the fact that he is “changing lives” is not necessarily “good” if he is not bringing them to a real, honest and true relationship with Jesus Christ! That can only be done through the word of God! That is the only way we can “know” God and Jesus Christ.
My fear is the further away we get from Gods word the easier we will be deceived by the enemy.

Doug
on September 15, 2016 at 6:13 pm

Kyre, it’s obvious that Andy is your god. It doesn’t matter what he says. You like the rock concert and party/club scene that Andy provides. So when there is legitimate criticism, your first inclination is to defend him without actually understanding what is being criticised.

You’re very childish.

Rmyers0516
on November 21, 2016 at 2:02 pm

Comments like,”look at all his sermons instead of the controversial ones” is misleading. Stanley is responsible for his entire work.

Tony
on September 6, 2016 at 10:58 pm

He needs to de-credentialed and have his ordination revoked for his outandish attackon the scriptures.

Eric
on January 4, 2017 at 10:53 pm

The people in his church are not christians and do not really want God to be in control of their lives. They will not stay in a church that teaches the truth.
Andy Stanley preys upon people’s need for a God with his doctorine of lies. He is absolutely going to be judged on that day. He does need prayer, that his eyes are opened to what he’s doing. His eyes are blind and he’s being controlled by Satan.

Mark it down and write it in stone. Andy Stanley will continue in the direction he has established. I often refer to this a ‘Directional Theology’. What a man believes is taking him somewhere and the destination that Stanley has established is well outside of historic orthodoxy. Time will tell but the pattern he has exhibited seems to be excelerating. Stay tuned!

Nathan
on October 17, 2016 at 11:56 pm

Lets pray, don’t condemn his future.

Nathan Bookout
on October 18, 2016 at 12:03 am

I grew up in a church that became “seeker friendly” in St.Louis. After years of going off course, it’s back on track, thank God! Let’s pray for him! While at the same time warn if we see sheep being lead away from the Chief Shepherd of Christ Jesus and the power of the Word.

Ken
on April 1, 2016 at 8:46 am

So no one in Scripture modeled verse-by-verse preaching? I guess Ezra and the Levites don’t count (Nehemiah 8:5-8). And our Lord made a pretty good pass at it (Luke 4:18ff.)

Just a reminder, the article is not completely accurate. Josh quotes Mr. Stanley as saying, “If you dont go to a large church…”. Listen the message to hear what he really said.

Josh Buice
on April 5, 2016 at 11:02 am

David – Andy Stanley said, “When I hear people say, ‘I don’t like a big church….’ you are so stinking selfish…” Seems fairly straight forward to me.

Douglas
on September 15, 2016 at 6:16 pm

It is straightforward. People like David (Buckhead Churchers) prefer blanket statements and labels to actual detailed discussion.

David
on April 1, 2016 at 10:40 am

I’m not extremely familiar with all these situations and am not necessarily saying that I agree with everything that Andy has done/said; however, I believe that several of these points are either misunderstood or really not a big deal at all. Re: verse-by-verse preaching – is this really a big deal? I don’t know if I would say that teachers are “cheating” by organizing their sermons this way, but I don’t see how many of the authors or examples in the Bible used Scripture this way themselves. Re: “Is the Bible Authoritative” – this paragraph seems to simply be making a mountain out of a molehill. It says to me that Andy was trying to contextualize the Scripture – pointing out that there was actually a human author of that particular saying…. Re: “Are Small Churches Bad” – Andy issued a very detailed apology for his statements and specifically said that his words were clearly wrong. This entire article seems to just be hyping any kind of apparent mistake that this guy has made. Please, this is not helpful

De
on April 5, 2016 at 10:44 pm

The main problem is he’s not preaching truth. The word of God is the word of God. It all comes down to being a Salvation issue. The Bible is the inspired word of God, not of man. I think Stanley is misguided people. He’s guiding people away from the truth not to it.

Terry
on August 27, 2016 at 1:29 am

Verse by verse forces the preacher into covering the entire Scripture including so many verses that are “offensive” to itching ears. How about Matthew 10 saying that if you love anyone including parents, siblings or children more than you love Jesus you are not worthy of heaven? Or maybe 1 John 3 that says how to know who is a child of God and who is a child of the devil? Andy cherry picks verses to make people feel good, and instead of letting the Holy Spirit bring conviction to people, he is making people believe “peace, peace when there is no peace”.

Phillip Holbrook
on October 25, 2016 at 3:14 pm

You got that right!

Tom
on September 4, 2016 at 10:14 am

To say that we misunderstood a super clear communicator and that communicator had to apologize is interesting.

He is a rebellious person and on a path to move his crowd to a bad place.

He is a false teacher whether people see it or not.

vern
on October 6, 2016 at 1:42 am

I agree Andy Stanley is not confused. His gifting can be an asset or a liability. He is a super clear communicator or he can be super confusing communicator. The person who has the gift of gab is salesman of what is going in his heart. Andy make sure your heart is clear of all sin before you speak.

Andy said, “Perhaps the confusion stems from the fact that I was suggesting an approach to talking about “The Bible” in a culture that is no longer moved by “The Bible says.”

This point is worth pondering by evangelical leaders who keep themselves far too insulated from culture. It’s easy to take our clichés for granted in a world that either doesn’t get it or sneers at it. Phrases like, “The Bible says…” or “The biblical approach….” (in the wider culture) are often ineffective and counterproductive to our desire to encourage people to hear from God.” (I responded to Andy’s thoughts here, https://thinkpoint.wordpress.com/2013/05/31/suppose-the-bible-had-never-been-written/)

It is foolishness to them. Most likely their minds have been handed over and deluded. The road is wide but the gate is narrow.

David
on September 27, 2016 at 3:20 pm

Because the word of God says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

Ted
on April 1, 2016 at 12:07 pm

While I’ve raised my eyebrows concerning Andy, I’m not willing to kick him to the curb.

What’s commendable is the extent he goes to understand the secular mindset. A skilled pastor knows how the unbeliever thinks. Andy articulates it better than anyone. Period.

When Andy criticizes verse-by-verse preaching, his book Communicating for a Change shows he’s slamming preachers who bore by explanation and fail to engage their audience. I think Stanley would agree with what Adrian Rogers once said, “All the Bible is inspired, but not all of it is inspiring.”

Yet I do agree with the observation that Andy tends to shy away from Scripture as a source of authority. When he preaches, no Bible is in his hand; its words are only on a screen. Why not hold a Bible and show people the source of your ideas? What I hope is that Stanley is just over-sympathetic to his unbelieving audience. The corrective is to honor Scripture as our inerrant authority. As Spurgeon says, the Bible is like a lion–simply let it out.

tim l.
on April 4, 2016 at 10:44 am

Andy Stanley doesn’t save anybody. No pastor saves anybody. It’s the Holy Spirit Who does the work. No Christ-follower – pastor or not – needs to “understand the secular mindset” to be a disciple or discipler. With all due respect, mindsets like yours are the reason why people like Andy Stanley flourish.

Mike Minter
on April 1, 2016 at 12:53 pm

I follow Andy every week. I agree he has said some pretty controversial things. I also have heard him state very clearly that he believes in the innerancy of scripture.
My concern today is that blogging about that short comings of other pastors who are orthodox only creates an opportunity for the world to see how much love we lack for other believers.
I could name you many big named reformed pastors who have said equally damaging things but this serves no purpose. All these attacks are under the guise of protecting the flock which is often closer to slander than doctrinal protection.
I’m expository in my preaching and have made a clear stand on all the moral issues we are facing today.
Tim Keller avoids the topics Andy does and I love Keller. The Lord is using His flawed pastors. I am one of them.

Josh Buice
on April 1, 2016 at 1:07 pm

I’m not seeking to blog about other pastors in order to merely stir up controversy. That has already been accomplished by Andy himself over the past several years. What I’ve documented is a progressive move by Andy that seems to be setting the stage for something much worse in the future unless something changes. I’m very concerned for Andy and his ministry and hope that things will change for the better.

Jeff
on April 1, 2016 at 4:13 pm

Bull

Mike Minter
on April 2, 2016 at 10:08 am

Josh
I do agree with your assessment of a slippery slide. The most controversial message ever delivered at NP was from one of the assistant pastors who told thousands of people that he and his wife love to watch The Bachelor and The Bachloret. I never read any comments.
However, Andy teaches theology through the backdoor better than anyone I know. It appears shallow but in reality is profound.
Yes I agree things need to change. We just need to find a gracious way to do it. Thanks for bringing this to our attention

Brad Reis
on September 29, 2016 at 2:42 pm

One word: Bingo! It took me a long time to understand who Jesus was because I found that a number of intellectual Christians talked negatively “about” other Christians rather than directly to them. It was this, along with other things, that kept me from sharing my struggles with pride to a Christian culture of piranhas.

Andy
on April 1, 2016 at 1:56 pm

First, I don’t think you know what expository preaching is. verse-by-verse preaching is not necessarily expository preaching. In fact, that is more of a bible study than preaching.

Second, Andy is calling sin, sin. Whether or not I name the specific sin is not of concern if I am still calling it sin. If a homosexual man is having a sexual relationship with a married man, is it no longer adultery? It is still adultery whether it is homosexual or heterosexual. And either way it is sin. It is not as if Andy Stanley is saying that homosexuality is no longer a sin. That’s taking it too far.

Yes, we need to hold each other accountable for our words, but I think you need to be a little more careful with yours. In addition, this is a public forum. Have you spoken with him privately to clearly understand his intent before posting this in public?

Josh Buice
on April 2, 2016 at 6:31 am

Andy, with all do respect, I think I can hold my own when it comes to the knowledge base of expository preaching. As I stated before, Andy Stanley is a topical preacher to the core, but his method of choice is not my real beef. It’s the way he has called out expository preachers in the past. In the end, I do think that his very topical approach can cause harm to the true meaning of the text which is preserved and unearthed through a historical grammatical interpretative method.

Regarding the homosexual issue, no – he completely avoided the homosexual issue altogether. He dealt with the adultery, but not the sin of homosexuality. This was a complete capitulation to say the least. To be clear – both are sins and he was committing both sins (two unique sins).

Once again, all of this that I’ve written about in this article has been in the news for years. It’s been a progression of Andy Stanley that I’ve watched and been very concerned about. I do pray that he has people around him that will speak into his life and help him before he continues to progress onward.

John
on August 15, 2016 at 4:12 pm

How many times have you called out homosexuality specifically from the pulpit? (Zero. If guess) you’re a small man.

Tom
on September 4, 2016 at 10:19 am

It is a concern of omission versus commission. Some sins are not now to the greater body because they are the quiet callings of God upon a life and theta calling is rejected. Looks good to all except we aren’t aware of the personal calling. What doe snot proceed form faith is sin.

Where does the Glory go in these services – to God or to the pastor. Come on can’t you see it?

Jared
on April 1, 2016 at 5:35 pm

@Andy, did you talk to Josh privately before calling him out publicly to talk to Stanley privately before he calls him out publicly? See? We could do this all day.

There is a difference between an offense against two brothers that needs to be reconciled privately before being escalated, and publicity engaging/warning against poor or damaging theology/instruction. Paul didn’t go to Peter privately first when Peter was capitulating to the Jews. He opposed him publicly and to his face. It was a public offense to the whole church, not a private one.

Terry
on August 27, 2016 at 1:38 am

I did speak personally with Andy two times with another woman present for 2.5 hours about doing 1 Corinthians 5. He refused to obey the Bible though it says “must” in there three times. My family was very disappointed. He was an excellent listener, very gracious with his time, but not a man of conviction and action or concern for his own judgment that God holds leaders to a much higher standard. I then asked if I could take it to the elders and he said no that he is the final authority. They then baptized the woman my husband in God’s eyes (unbiblically divorced me) had been sleeping with for two years in adultery/fornication. So many led astray to be on the broad way that leads to destruction instead of the narrow way that few will find.

Tina
on April 1, 2016 at 11:44 pm

Thank you Pastor, for caring for Christ Church as your Chief Shepherd has called you -to protect, to guard, to warn, and to lead His people from everything that will lead them away from the true Gospel of Jesus Christ that can only be found in the Scriptures.

Ernest Joseph Fipps IV
on April 2, 2016 at 2:45 am

Almost all of those points aren’t bad though. ‘Verse-by-verse is cheating, it doesn’t grow people’ – It’s really easy to take verses out of context when you don’t provide the context of the verses and just string a bunch of scriptures together. It is also harder to convey the meaning of a verse when you don’t have any of the context, so instead of your message being deep it’s just wide. Which isn’t an inherently good or bad thing, you can perhaps prove a point well with a whole lot of ammunition/verses on it, but people won’t grow in their understanding of a scripture without context.

If the bible was sufficient for church growth then wouldn’t like everyone be in church by now? We’ve had the bible for almost 2000 years. “We’ve created church for churched people”, why on earth is he even having a discussion about trying to make unchurched people feel comfortable/welcome in church? That’s like Day 1 kindergarten of having a church.

“Although Andy Stanley wasn’t clear on the subject of homosexuality, we can be sure the Bible is abundantly clear” lololol ok. The bible is actually very unclear on a whole lot of things, hence all the various denominations of the church with different interpretations and practices.

“Don’t say the Bible says, say the author’s name” Why is this bad? The phrase “the bible says’ is tired, overused, and just has negative connotations with it. It is also very unclear and confusing for new believers because they just see the bible as a blanket book, not a collection of writings from numerous authors composed over several centuries. Using the author is just more specific and it’s helpful for understanding things if you know who wrote it and you can compare a text with others by the same author.

‘Is the bible true’ is a whole other discussion, yes I believe it’s true but when you start digging into it there seems to be a lot of room for human input/error. We simply don’t know if God dictated every word, or just guided people in what to write. There’s no way to know how it came together.

Regarding church size, he explains himself very well: “My gripe is with the grownups who are anti-growth because they like their church the way it is.” When you see his full original statement, and his explanation, it’s clear that what he was trying to say was that adults should never choose a church or judge a church based on it’s size. Lots of people hate on mega churches because of their size and it is possible to hurt your kids by doing so, because bigger churches have more resources and typically bigger youth departments. When it comes down to it you need to go to the church God tells you to, regardless of if it’s big or small or you feel comfortable or not. Your kids are the future of the Church and you’ve got to take them into account as well.

‘Is the bible a poor starting point?’. First off, why is starting with the resurrection of Jesus even a bad thing? That’s like hands down the most important thing in the bible, in our entire lives, and without it basically everything else means nothing. Why would you start with a non-believer by just reading to them from the bible? Tell them in your own words so it feels more real, genuine. Tell them about the greatest thing ever to happen in history, and the reason you are a Christian. Make it personal. Tell them that Jesus loved us so much he died for us, but didn’t stay dead! That’s like the greatest thing you could tell somebody.

I have no clue why the author thinks Paul was quoting the bible. They literally didn’t have the bible, that had scriptures, they had scrolls and stories passed down, they had versions of the Torah and old testament writings, but the letter they were currently writing would later be added to those other texts and fully canonized into what we now call the bible. It wasn’t completed yet and they were unknowingly writing it, so no Paul didn’t whip out his ESV and start teaching from 1 John.

Being progressive isn’t bad. Every single move of the church throughout history was progressive when it started. This isn’t to say every progressive move is inherently right or good, but stop demonizing people just because they seem to be ‘progressive’.

As for the closing statements, the church needs to stop caring so much about doctrines and traditions and guidelines and the way your fathers and your father’s fathers did things, and more on Jesus. Focus on the Gospel. Focus on teaching people about Jesus and showing people God’s love. That’s it.

Chris
on April 2, 2016 at 8:39 am

Josh, with due respect I find your arguments a bit weak. You’ve used phrases like ” I am afraid for Stanley” like a concerned uncle who is just far enough outside the facts that he doesn’t understand the bigger purpose.
Controversial is not a bad word, it means he’s departed from the traditional, and to me that says he is adapting and moving to address a people in a culturally sensitive manner. If we are to be in the world, then we must understand it, and present the gospel in ways that reach the lost. Midievil orthodox methods clearly don’t work. There is a place for bible thumping (which I happen to respond to) and a place for clever, thought provoking (controversial) perspective, which I occasionaly need a dose of to take my focus off do’s and dont’s and onto grace and truth.

Kathy
on April 2, 2016 at 12:52 pm

I wonder how many who are critical of Andy’s messages are members of one of his churches or have actually regularly attended his services?

I am an active, serving member of one and I can tell you first hand story after story of people who came into our church unsaved and are now believers who are leading others to Christ.

I could go on and on addressing each of these points but the one I would like to address is “Why must Andy Stanley consistently cast doubt upon the inerrancy of the Bible?”

He doesn’t.

How would we know about the doubting disciples, the Resurrection, the many who saw Jesus after the Resurrection? From the Bible! which is *clearly* written out on the screen when Andy teaches, complete with chapter and verse referenced for all to see. He simply chooses to not use the phrase “the Bible says.”

As hard as it is to accept, our culture has grown more and more hardened to spiritual things. We *must* address our culture. If one phrase turns them away from Truth, it is no sin to stop using it. The Bible is clearly taught in our churches and clearly referenced.

The proof of the pudding is in the thousands of believers who are happily attending church, growing in Small Groups and serving not only their church but their communities. Admittedly, a great percentage are 20 and 30-somethings which clearly confirms Andy’s philosophy of ministry toward the unchurched people in our community.

tim l
on April 4, 2016 at 10:51 am

Why must we address culture? Where in the Bible is that tactic endorsed from a discipleship standpoint?

David
on April 4, 2016 at 3:56 pm

Didn’t Jesus address culture when eating with tax collectors, in the story of the Good Samaritan and in the woman at the well?

Jeremy
on September 6, 2016 at 4:08 am

Acts 17:16-34

Dee
on April 26, 2016 at 5:12 pm

@Kathy:
You said, “If one phrase turns them away from Truth, it is no sin to stop using it.”
I ask: If the phrase “Jesus is Lord”, or the phrase “God is holy” turns them away fron truth, should we stop using them? Where do we draw the line? A watered down gospel is no use to evangelism. If you get “conversions” under such preaching, you are probably getting false believers en masse.

SANDRA GOODWIN
on September 5, 2016 at 1:26 am

ALL THE NONBELIEVERS THAT HE IS TRYING TO DRAW ARE BEING DRAWN TO ANDY’S THEOLOGICAL IDEAS AND THOUGHTS – NOT TO THE TRUTH OF SCRIPTURE AS HE DIMINISHES SCRIPTURE ALMOST EVERY TIME HE OPENS HIS MOUTH. I JUST ATTENDED A PRO-LIFE EVENT WHERE ANDY SPOKE. HE SAID I AM A PASTOR AND NO ONE KNOWS IF I AM PRO-LIFE OR NOT – AND I AM GOING TO KEEP IT THAT WAY. HE SAID HE DOESN’T LIKE THE WORDS PRO-LIFE, NOR DOES HE LIKE THE WORD ABSTINENCE. HE THOUGHT THIS MINISTRY SHOULD GET RID OF THOSE WORDS.
HIS WORST SERMON EVER – “WHEN GRACE MET TRUTHY” – NEVER WENT BACK TO HIS CHURCH AFTER THAT. SAD, AS HE INFLUENCES SO MANY.

Dee
on April 26, 2016 at 5:17 pm

@Kathy
I am critical of Andy Stanley. Hos preaching is very shallow at best. I had my 1st eencounter in a Small Group study on my church, and I find him really lacking in spiritual depth. Unfortunately, there’s such a paucity of deep truth preaching and a glaring lack of discernment today.

Terry
on August 27, 2016 at 2:22 am

I myself was a very active and participating member for 6 years and have known many who also were who have left from 2012 on. I totally disagree with you. Is Jesus supremely adored or is the church/Andy the subject of the worship? Who is so great? Our awesome God who says that we are nothing, capable of doing nothing worthwhile without the power of the Holy Spirit, or are we so great because of our programs, business model, entertainment and people pleasing? People need to wake up and go find a biblically-pure church and leave the sinners who are satisfied to stay in their sins left unconfronted there alone.

Tom
on September 4, 2016 at 10:21 am

I would assume very few. Read Romans 5

Andy Sucks
on September 15, 2016 at 6:27 pm

I went to Andy’s “church” for two years. It’s a false Jesus and nothing more than a 501 C3 tax haven.

Screw North Point Ministries and every one who’s a member there.

Rachel
on April 2, 2016 at 7:40 pm

Now I understand better why our politicians are so mean spirited with their tongues. They must have learned to bully from our church leaders. Sorry, but I find this article a form of bullying. Earlier this week I listened to four Easter sermons on my podcasts. The first three were from conservative pastors with a reformed theology point of view. The last sermon was Andy Stanley’s sermon. All sermons were good, however, I found Andy Stanley’s most helpful with giving me knowledge in knowing how to best relate to a non-Christian as I try to be a witness for Jesus.

I belong to a conservative, reformed congregation, but I also learn much from pastors outside the reformed mindset.

The proper declaration of Christ’s Gospel and the authority of the Bible are not dependant on teaching/preaching style. However, if Andy Stanley’s teaching style is independent of Christ’s Gospel and the Bible’s authority, then there’s a problem.

Michael
on April 4, 2016 at 9:47 am

Mr. Stanley’s father preached many sermons about the “heresy” of Reformed theology. I have no idea of his son’s view, but if the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, I’m not surprised that he takes a liberal view of scripture. It’s in his blood, perhaps. Dispensationalists have a skewed perception of the Bible, not a “sola scriptura” position. The Old Testament is, to many of the dispensations list writers I have read, not relevant to today’s modern church.

David
on April 5, 2016 at 7:06 am

I would challenge all of us to think through our approach to ministry in light of our theology. While our theology should never change, ministry can be messy and is not always consistent. I hear us saying that we know what Mr. Stanley should and should not have done regarding the gay couple issue but let me ask us what we would have done if a gay couple showed up at our small group? Would we share our big “the bible says homosexuality is wrong” speech as they walked in the door or would we wait, develop a relationship with them and hope to minister the truth in love over time? Let’s stop being the church leaders, the hypocrites that Jesus distanced himself from more than the sinners. Let’s be reminded of the woman who was caught in adultery and brought to Jesus. He could have easily come out with a big “the bible says adultery is wrong” stance but he didn’t, did he? He called out the accusers and after they had gone, he ministered grace at the appropriate time. Let’s be like this, church.

Josh Buice
on April 5, 2016 at 11:54 am

David, We don’t develop our message as we see who is and who isn’t present in the building. We preach the Word – with authority – and depend on our God to bring people to repentance. Our approach to the Word of God and the preaching of Scripture should not be through a lens of not offending the unbeliever who “might” be present. Our goal in preaching each week – as pastors – should be to feed the flock of God by rightly handling Scripture and discipling them in truth (John 17:17). We then call unbelievers to repent, but we don’t seek to develop friendships with them and avoid statements that might offend them. Is the gospel offensive to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 1)? If so, it doesn’t matter what I say, if I preach the gospel – unbelievers will be offended. So, love sinners and call them to repent, but don’t build friendships with them with the hope to share Christ with them while preaching shallow sermons that don’t offend lost people. That makes no sense at all.

David
on April 5, 2016 at 12:17 pm

Our responses to our different views are probably going to go nowhere and likely creating attitudes that don’t reflect what we should be about. To all of the responders, if any of my comments or tone has been less than “Christ-like”, please forgive me. I am ready to move on.

Josh Buice
on April 5, 2016 at 12:19 pm

I appreciate you taking time to interact on the subject. I hope you can see my points and can discern the true motive for why I wrote the article. You can likewise see it on my follow-up today, “Matthew 18 and the Universal Church.”

David
on April 5, 2016 at 4:25 pm

I had to jump back in. Josh, I have seen your responses, I have looked at your social media comments and honestly, I am concerned. I don’t know you, so I cannot judge your intentions but from what I read, my perception is that that you are more concerned about calling people out, proving people wrong rather than loving them. Please correct me if I am wrong but is any of your blog ministry ever viewed through the lens of John 13:34-35?

Josh Buice
on April 7, 2016 at 8:42 am

David, once again, that’s simply not true. I do “call people out” occasionally, but that’s not the main emphasis of this blog. You can read through the latest articles and see for yourself. My intent in the Andy Stanley article was to spotlight some progressive problems that I see and all of these are already out in the news on various sites, so I merely compiled them together and tried to connect the dots to his ministry philosophy. Ultimately, I disagree with Andy’s philosophy of ministry, but I’m not merely interested in proving him wrong.

Terry
on August 27, 2016 at 1:46 am

So agree Josh. There is no such thing as friendship evangelism. Repentance is not a dirty word, but it was the first word of John the Baptist (who was also beheaded for saying remarriage after divorce is adultery), Jesus and Peter. We must have the Holy Spirit cause us to hate the same sin that God hates within us so we will repent, confess and forsake the sin to be transformed. You are so right!

Dee
on April 26, 2016 at 5:05 pm

I love the Bible to speak for itself. I will just quote Jesus’ words to the woman caught in adultery:
John 8:10-11
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? [11] She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Dave
on June 9, 2016 at 1:57 pm

I think your question about a gay couple showing up at our small group compelling, and it didn’t seem that anyone really answered it. I think most of us would try to 1) establish a relationship with them. Then gradually, if all went well, we would 2) look for an opening for sharing the gospel. If they accepted Jesus as savior but still were not convicted of their sin (as many homosexuals in many churches are currently living), then we might… eventually… 3) try to find some way of confronting them with what the scriptures say about homosexuality.

This is essentially “lifestyle evangelism”… and I struggle with it. Because all too often, we never get to step 3 or even step 2. Most of us don’t struggle so much with loving sinners as we do with not wanting to offend them. Because we know that if we offend them, chances are, they won’t be our friends anymore. And yes, I’m talking about offending them with the Truth of the Word.

How long did Jesus wait with the woman at the well before he confronted her with her sin? Not very long. Now it’s likely because of her cultural context that she knew she was living in sin. Today’s culture, on the other hand, doesn’t call homosexuality sin. Rather, it practically worships at its altar. And of course, Jesus was, well… Jesus. [Not that I take that as a very strong argument, since we are hopefully being conformed more and more to his image each day.]

So perhaps some aspects of lifestyle evangelism are necessary in order to reach the lost. But we must not become too comfortable with those we befriend. We cannot lose sight of the fact that we are on a mission, and if we are not progressing toward the objective, then we are losing ground.

The objective, of course, is NOT saving their souls. The objective is to obey Jesus’ commands: Love them as we love ourselves. Proclaim the gospel to them. Baptize them if they believe. Make disciples of them, teaching them to observe all that Jesus taught us to do.

Only God the Holy Spirit can save their souls.

And once sinners profess Jesus as Lord and are baptized, they are part of The Church, whether actual members or not. And then we simply must address their sins if they are living a sinful lifestyle. Paul in I Cor. 5 minces no words and leaves no wiggle room: “Let him who has done this be removed from among you.” (ESV Strong’s) 1 Corinthians 5:2

As to Andy Stanley, I do not know him and have not listened to him preach. I think it is good that fellow believers of discernment are checking his sermons against the Word, just as all good Bereans should, especially since he is in a position to influence so many souls. And if he is in error, they should confront him with his error, first in private as Aquilla and Priscilla did with Apollos, another preacher of great influence over souls.

David
on June 10, 2016 at 3:04 pm

Thanks for the response, Dave; you make great points. It seems to get back to the issue that ministry is hard and there has to be a balance; not a one size fits all. Pray that we are able to find that balance.

Jackie
on July 23, 2016 at 6:46 pm

Dear Dave… of the many comments on this topic your above comment truly resonated with me. If I peel back the excuses I make for not witnessing, it comes down to the fact that I am unwilling to bear the reproach that comes with being a follower of Christ. I am ashamed to say that I have avoided speaking truthfully with my unsaved colleagues, neighbors and family members simply to avoid being rejected, ostracized and subject to unwanted hostility. It’s just cowardice, self-love and disobedience. I have been seeking the Lord in repentance in this area and I would covet any advice you can provide on how to break though to faithful evangelism and discipleship with my coworkers and neighbors as I’m forcing myself to be intentional about changing this aspect of my Christian walk. If your schedule allows you to dialogue about this further I would be happy to share my email. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your message it was very timely and convicting in this season of my life.

David
on April 7, 2016 at 11:52 am

Like I said, I am not judging your intentions; I cannot because I do not know you. I am merely stating what I perceive from reading your articles and responses. I pray that my perception is wrong.

JR
on April 12, 2016 at 2:50 pm

I know you’re going back to 2009 to substantiate Andy’s downward trajectory. However, the SBC has not exercised good discernment with Andy, because he has had a much longer history of questionable Biblical interpretation.

Remember the 2006 interview with CT where he made the declaration that we need to stop calling ourselves Pastors and Shepherds, in favor of CEOs, because the Bible is outdated… and church should be run more like a business?

The Bible is the double edged sword to ultimately convict us and help us move us, and desern the truth of life. Not Andys interpretation of it. No no no! That’s thinking more highly than you ought to of yourself. It is known also that small groups have to use his own Bible studies, further alienating unbelievers to his way or the highway. Starting at the resurrection won’t work. And yes everyone knows about Hagar..he didn’t just think it up, he got it from the Bible. But if the struggles of the people in the Bible aren’t studied well and seen in context how they sought Him, it won’t stick, and then the Holy Spirit may not come to them. The power is in the word.

Polly
on May 18, 2016 at 8:35 pm

Very thankful that Joseph took Mary to Egypt for Jesus’ birth. If they lived in America with the times we are now in with our President using the office to further his own religion by quickly and deceptively bringing in as many people who can harm our families as he can, talking away police officers rights to defend us, talking bibles away from Chaplains in the armed services for vets even if they are suicidal, calling everyone to be calm, threatening media that they could cause loss of lives, even their own lives if they report truthfully,…I believe Joseph may have taken Mary away from from this country also. It’s really not much different. I’m glad Joseph thought to do it.

Polly
on May 18, 2016 at 9:03 pm

Very thankful that Joseph took Mary to Egypt for Jesus’ birth. If they lived in America with the times we are now in with our President using the office to further his own religion by quickly and deceptively bringing in as many people who can harm our families as he can, talking away police officers rights to defend us, talking bibles away from Chaplains in the armed services for vets even if they are suicidal, calling everyone to be calm, threatening media that they could cause loss of lives, even their own lives if they report truthfully,…I believe Joseph may have taken Mary away from from this country also. I am so very thankful that Joseph thought enough to protect our Savior!

Dave
on June 9, 2016 at 2:14 pm

@JR, The article in CT is rather concerning… it left a bad taste in my mouth I must admit. The truth is that the model in the first century Christian churches was that of Elders leading and governing the church. So to say that model never works is just plain wrong. Saying that the world has changed and the Church must change with it I think can be equally wrong.

Yes, we want to be able to relate to the people in the culture in which we live, but I believe it is generally inadvisable for us to make the Church into the World’s image in order to do that.

Jesus called us to be separated sojourners, in the World, but not of it. If a church becomes just another corporation (another hot-button danger signal, IMHO) then that church ceases to be the Church. That is, it no longer is an assembly of the “called out ones” (ekklesia).

Jim
on April 12, 2016 at 4:36 pm

Thank you for the information on this person. I’m glad I never wasted any money on his books or listened to his sermons. Sounds like I’d have put the book to better use starting a fire.

Dee
on April 26, 2016 at 8:02 am

2 Peter 2:1-3
[1] … But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

At some point, we would have to say, if the shoe fits… I am bold to state, though sadly, that the shoe fits. Andy Stanley’s comments make him a false teacher. Anyone who casts doubts on the truthfulness and inerrancy of Scripture cannot be speaking for God.

Gus
on August 2, 2016 at 1:02 am

I would encourage all concerned to read a book by John Kennedy of India called “the torch of the testimony” and it will answer a host of these questions

Gus
on August 2, 2016 at 1:08 am

Ps138:2 should speak clearly as to the issue of Gods word lacking science. Ken Hamm would disagree with mr Stanley.

Chris Westerman
on August 5, 2016 at 5:33 pm

I have been attending NPCC for many years. God led me to that church and it changed my life dramatically–bringing me much closer to my heavenly father. I have been a believer for forty years and have heard much “line by line” teaching and it was wonderful. But I also greatly enjoy Andy Stanley’s teachings. THey are the most insightful and helpful teachings I have ever heard. I love NPCC and Andy Stanley very much and never ever want to attend church anywhere else. I go there, my money goes there and I volunteer there. That church has been life changing for me along with Andy’s books and CDs etc. He has more Christ like character than anyone I know of. He believes the Bible. Anyone who has attended NPCC for any length of time knows this is true. Those who have not attended NPCC for any length of time would NOT know this, if seems. Andy consistently tells the congregation–“you should read the Bible”. NPCC is the only church I know of where the children wake their parents up on Sunday mornings and ask their parents, “we’re going to church today arent we? We’re going to church today arent we????
I guess the point is–it takes some time to know someone. Those who have attended his church and read his books know he is a Godly man who loves God and his holy word.

Terry
on August 27, 2016 at 2:10 am

I was there weekly for 6 years. Is that long enough to know him? I was also in my own daily Bible study and two other Bible studies such as Bible Study Fellowship. Yes, he encourages people to read the Bible. BUT, he clearly abuses the Bible by giving his opinion over the truth of the Word. He doesn’t refer to commentaries to dig deep into Scripture. He skips any Word that speaks of the angry and holy judgment of God such as Acts 5.

I do not think he is a godly man. I heard so much false teaching that I was getting punched in the gut. I would take Bibles to church to give away to the person I sat next to after I showed them the false teaching in the Bible. I have known many who have left since I live just a few miles from the church. Also there isn’t a really strict vetting of children’s leaders and there have been sexual predators in the church. You have to pray for discernment and for ears that are open to hear before you go listen to a sermon. I pray for eyes to be opened. So many times the audience is talking about how great that sermon made them feel because it was full of lies and didn’t give them pause due to the piercing conviction of the Holy Spirit to repent of their sins. Even my 15 year old came up to tell me how Andy doesn’t preach the gospel. I thought he was going to leave the church forever because of be so disappointed and disillusioned by Andy. He took a few years off, but he definitely has the gift of wisdom and discernment.

Peter Lumpkins
on September 2, 2016 at 12:26 pm

A frightful theological trajectory the younger Stanley has chosen to travel, and undoubtedly a route about which the older Stanley mourns. Josh Juice is right to address it.

Tom
on September 4, 2016 at 10:29 am

If it bothers Charles then why the silence. Albert Mohler spoke out, why not Charles. I just left Charles’ church for similar concerns. Daddy has a different style but the concern is the same.

CHARLES, your silence is assent.

Andy Sucks
on September 15, 2016 at 6:29 pm

His father is a false teacher too.

Love of money runs in the family.

Peter Lumpkins
on September 2, 2016 at 12:28 pm

Sorry. “Buice”. Darn cell phone! 😉

Mike Lober
on September 2, 2016 at 2:52 pm

Andy Stanley is not a Christian. Bad trees cannot produce good fruit. This is the last days apostasy.

David
on September 19, 2016 at 10:10 pm

“Andy Stanley is not a Christian?” Could you elaborate; provide reasons for your conclusion?

Thomas Gee
on September 22, 2016 at 2:26 pm

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

II Timothy 3:17-17

Scott Athey
on October 17, 2016 at 2:55 pm

Hi Josh. I appreciate your approach to this article I think you’re fair but also concerned. I’ve read several of Andy Stanley’s books. He is tremendously gifted and one of my favorite sources on leadership and church administration. When you read his books you come to understand that he is laser focused on reaching lost people and helping them to grow. I don’t for a minute think he has turned away from the authority of scripture or that he is accepting of the homosexual lifestyle. I think he is trying to get to the heart of the matter- reaching the lost!! He’s not turning away from the Bible he’s just saying that Christians are so huddled up around their Bibles that the world is going to hell. We are reaching less and less people. No one seems to know how to share the gospel anymore. I understand what the critics are saying about Andy Stanley- he leaves his statements so open ended that many are confused… but he’s a brother in Christ doing something many of us are failing miserably at.

I listened to the entire series of recent controversial sermons. In the sermon after the really controversial one, he said something like, “Hey I don’t know if ya’ll read the blogs out there, but after last week’s sermon, people are saying I don’t believe the Bible.”

His congregation laughed outloud at the idea that he doesn’t believe the Bible.

Danny
on December 22, 2016 at 12:45 pm

I’m pretty sure if God exist he is not sending Andy stanley to hell. I would go as far to say if heaven exist this man makes the cut. I’m pretty sure his teachings aren’t marching anyone down the bad bad devil’s path. He is not a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I promise.

You’re welcome. I hope everyone can sleep at night knowing this man is out there,
-A concerned citizen

Andy Stanley
on December 22, 2016 at 1:02 pm

What this guy said. ^

Bwahahaha!!!

ALM
on December 31, 2016 at 9:28 pm

A good test of Andy Stanley’s personal standing as a Pastor and the biblical basis of his teaching before our Holy God would be to attemp to teach his flock from his stage the full counsel of God, the true Gospel, the true source and cause of salvation, the true condition of man and his sin and the Christ given mark of the true believer (John 8:31, John 14&15)….Andy Stanley preached 5 sermons on salvation and why you don’t need the Bible and did not mention the author of the Bible and the work of the Holy Spirit or even His name one time in a God honoring and reverential way that entire series… What does this tell you…he is man centered to the core and those who follow him place all their faith in themselves.

May those that are His come out of there to the praise and honor of their Lord!

A Word About DBG

Delivered By Grace is a theology blog that focuses on theology, SBC, preaching, the church, and many issues within the Christian life. Delivered By Grace is edited by Josh Buice and contributed to by various other preachers and writers. Unless otherwise noted, articles are written by Josh Buice.

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